Don’t Look For Me - Chapter 3

“Hold on, Cecilia. I’ll take care of it.”

 

Belinda hastily scolded Cecilia.

 

“That’s right, sister. We still have time.”

 

Owen then helped my mother.

 

At first glance, it sounds like he’s siding with Euphemia, but in reality, he was just trying to appease Cecilia.

 

They said that the preparation of Cecilia’s tea party was ultimately Euphemia’s job.

 

Because it’s always been like that until now.

 

Euphemia had to be Cecilia’s helper and a supporting role that made her stand out.

 

It always has been that way.

 

When Euphemia wore shabby and modest clothes, Cecilia wore a brightly colored dress and held a puffed panier.

 

Euphemia’s social debut passed without a word, but Cecilia’s debut was a significant family event.

 

The flowers that Euphemia picked were used to decorate Cecilia’s room or as a gift under Cecilia’s name.

 

Unlike Euphemia’s birthday, which no one remembers, Cecilia’s birthday was a happy day when everyone had to prepare busily.

 

When Cecilia was sick, Euphemia stayed up all night to take care of her and feed her medicine.

 

Although no one looked at Euphemia when she was sick.

 

Euphemia, who was not part of Baron Lasser’s family, could not stay underground with the maids, thus she was a stranger who belonged nowhere.

 

Each time she was left alone like that, Euphemia repeated it over and over again.

 

I’m fine. I’m not lonely. It’s not sad. I can hold on. This is nothing.

 

Hiding behind those words, she desperately comforted herself.

 

The comfort was desperate and the encouragement was fleeting, but she had to hold on.

 

Euphemia looked at Cecilia with indifferent eyes.

 

Orange red hair resembling Belinda, and green eyes resembling Willard. My step sister who has nothing in common with me.

 

‘I thought it was okay because he was my brother.’

 

Or I thought I was doing it because it was something I had to do. Otherwise, I don’t think I’ll be able to stand it.

 

However, how long can I live thinking like that?

 

“Sister, are you sure you’re ready?”

 

Why do I have to live like this.

 

In the end, I’m only going to end up being sold out to the wilderness with no price, but for what.

 

Euphemia said calmly, catching her sister’s resentful gaze.

 

“If you’re that worried, you can do it yourself, Cecilia.”

 

“Sister!”

 

Cecilia shouted. Her voice was as sharp as a broken glass.

 

Her gentle-looking face was very angry, her forehead was wrinkled and her eyebrows welled up. It was surprising that she had such a rich expression.

 

“What are you talking about!”

 

“Yes, Cecilia is right. That’s what you’re good at. You have to help your sister.”

 

Belinda intervened with an awkward expression on her face.

 

As always, it was a natural way of pushing Euphemia’s back.

 

Because I’m good at it. Because I’m older than you. Because I have to do it.

 

It’s because you need me.

 

They were words that I had never believed, but followed nonetheless.

 

“I’m afraid I’ll get in the way.”

 

Euphemia tilted her head still and pretended to be worried.

 

At that moment, a low voice resounded.

 

“Euphemia.”

 

Baron Lasser, the father of the siblings, Willard, had only opened his mouth at that time.

 

It was only a short name call, but Euphemia knew what he was trying to say.

 

It was a clear rebuke.

 

My father’s green eyes stared at me as sharp as a knife, and my heart stopped for a moment.

 

An unspoken compulsion to obey your stepmother’s advice not to cause trouble and to listen to your sister’s wishes.

 

The Implicit rules that I had to follow to stay in this house.

 

I endured it for them and did anything for them because they were family but not family.

 

It was a time when I wanted a place where I could be confident, and I wanted to be recognized for my ability and usefulness, so I waited for a friendly word.

 

However, Euphemia had already confirmed last night the cost of those days that she had to endure.

 

It was a really lonely and sad unrequited love.

 

‘But I’m sick of it.’

 

Huh, Euphemia let out a short sigh.

 

Many things leaked out of her breath, but no one noticed.

 

“Cecilia, unless you want to do it yourself…..”

 

Euphemia smiled at her sister.

 

“Will you wait for me?”

 

A low-pitched voice flowed indifferently.

 

The smile on her face with only her lips pulled in was fake no matter how you looked at it. Like a well-cut piece of ice, it was beautiful at first sight, but cold in nature.

 

Cecilia was startled by the sight and pressed down on her chest. She almost screamed.

 

Oh my God, how could you do this to me. You can’t do this to your sister!

 

My face quickly turned red with anger and wrath.

 

Of course, my sister wasn’t as friendly and cheerful as she was in the first place.

 

She was originally a person who didn’t know what she was thinking because she didn’t talk much.

 

But I’ve never been as cold as I am now.

 

What the hell is wrong with you?

 

I didn’t understand at all.

 

Preparing for the tea party is of course what my sister should do.

 

Since I’m older. Because I have always taken care of myself.

 

You’ve done a good job so far, but what makes you so unhappy now?

 

‘Just finish it.’

 

Cecilia bit her lip, holding back the words that were about to come out.

 

I can’t help it because I need my sister now. I need to calm myself down for a while. Well, it’s only a little while anyway, so you’ll have to wait for that.

 

After the tea party, I’m about to pour out all this feeling.

 

As always, until my sister says she’s sorry, everything.

 

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

 

“How Wonderful, it’s like a garden.”

 

“Miss Cecilia has a very bright taste. My heart is brightening up.”

 

“Isn’t it because you’re in your prime?”

 

Ladies from aristocrats who participated in the tea party entered the living room and said a word to each other.

 

Dressed to match the fashion with a fresh-colored dress, they all had a friendly and happy look on their faces.

 

“I’m glad you seem to like it.”

 

Cecilia smiled brightly and led them to their seats.

 

The invited ladies were inwardly surprised.

 

When it comes to Baron Lasser, there were no high expectations because he was weak in power and not unusually rich.

 

It was just a stopover to find out how much Cecilia has newly appeared in the high social circle and whether she is a sophisticated person to introduce to the surroundings around her.

 

However, the decoration of the room where the tea party was to be held was more than expected.

 

The atmosphere was elegant and lovely by sparingly using colorful peonies and roses everywhere, and the composition and arrangement of the furniture was neat.

 

Whether it comes from flowers or a separate perfume, the fragrance emanating from the room is also clear and refreshing, further enhancing the elegance of the space.

 

The flowers were big and the color was light, so it would have been tacky if it was done wrong, but thanks to the good arrangement of colors and shapes, a friendly atmosphere was created. As if you could feel their warmth just by looking at them.

 

It would have cost a lot to use a well-bloomed flower like this!

 

In addition, the sense of putting it in the right place and decorating it was extraordinary.

 

She’s only 18 now, and at this level, is even more promising. In the hearts of the ladies, the evaluation of Cecilia went up a notch.

 

“Oh my god, you’re really paying attention to it.”

 

Countess Fraser sat down and exclaimed.

 

Instead of a name tag, there was a ten peony tied with a ribbon on each seat.

 

“This is….. Looking at the color, it looks like a ‘Princess Peony’.”

 

“Oh, my God, I’ve heard of it. It’s a very precious flower. I heard it’s a flower that you can’t grow in the garden! It’s the first time I’ve actually seen it.”

 

“Come to think of it, it’s the same color as my hair. Oh, you’re so meticulous.”

 

Seeing their respective flowers, the ladies blushed like children.

 

I’ve seen many beautiful flowers, but this was the first time I’ve seen such a mysterious flower.

 

It is a rich flower petal and has two colors in one flower at the same time, attracting attention by itself.

 

“I’m so glad you treated me so nicely.”

 

“It’s a decent thing to do. I’d be glad if you could enjoy the refreshments I prepared.”

 

“She’s humble, too.”

 

Baron Riles Young lady laughed at Cecilia’s words.

 

The atmosphere was good. The ladies of the tea party repeatedly asked about Cecilia, praising her.

 

Cecilia continued to speak slowly, with a smile on her face the whole time.

 

As the friendly conversation ensued, The servant, dressed in a suit, pushed the trolley into the living room.

 

“Then I’ll prepare tea for you.”

 

A tray of refreshments, a kettle, and a teacup were placed on the table in turn.

 

Cecilia poured the tea, pretending to be as graceful as she could.

 

It was the rule of the social world that the owner of the tea should pour the tea directly. It was an expression that they were being treated with sincerity.

 

The tea that filled the teapot was emptied into the cups, and the fragrant scent lingered.

 

It was a unique and rich fragrance that they had never smelled before.

 

Countess Fraser, who received the glass, took a sip of tea immediately after expressing her gratitude.

 

Soon her eyes glistened brilliantly.

 

“This…. This is not ordinary tea.”

 

Cecilia was nervous for a moment at the words of Countess Fraser.

 

As with the living room decoration, the tea was also prepared by Euphemia.

 

So Cecilia didn’t know exactly what the tea was like.

 

I just didn’t think too deeply about whether It would be presented properly as usual.

 

But when I heard the words of the Countess Fraser, I was terrified.

 

Could it be that the older sister deliberately prepared strange tea leaves to shame me?

 

“Oh my God, yes. It smells great.”

 

“Ah, yes. I’m glad you like it.”

 

Following her words, Cecilia was relieved. I didn’t think it was a bad reaction.

 

“You made this tea specifically for us, didn’t you?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I know. It smells like I’m in a flower garden. How did you come up with all this stuff!”

 

“Which merchant did you ask? It’s so lovely!”

 

The other ladies also admired one another.

 

It was common to buy tea leaves from importers and brew them as they are.

 

Sometimes, other ingredients were added to add flavor, but it was likely to ruin the original taste of tea.

 

Therefore, such tea was handled by merchants who made tea professionally, and tea with excellent taste and aroma was as expensive as gold of the same weight.

 

The Countess Fraser loved tea so much that she tasted all the teas sold in this area.

 

Even products that were only sold in islands or port cities were difficult to find and drink.

 

But today’s tea had a scent she had never smelled before.

 

Not only that, but even after taking a sip, my mind was strangely calm and my head cleared, and I felt refreshed.

 

“Miss Cecilia, could you please hand me this tea? I want to enjoy it for a long time, so please.”

 

“Me too, me too. I’d like to give it to you at the next dinner party.”

 

“O, Of course, as much as you want!”

 

Cecilia finally swept her heart away from the flurry of positive praises. As expected, my sister can’t do that.

 

Cecilia told the servant to wrap the tea leaves so that guests could bring them with them when they left. In this case, Euphemia will prepare it for me.

 

Cecilia then tasted the tea. A little more flavorful than usual, but that’s all.

 

Is this a tea worthy of praise. I don’t know if it’s that bad.

 

Anyway, it was a relief that the guests seemed to like it.

 

Countess Fraser smiled brightly at Cecilia.

 

“Thank you very much for your consideration, Miss Cecilia. I’d like to invite you to the next dinner party, could you attend?”

 

“Oh my goodness, I would be delighted to attend.”

 

The ladies thought it would be okay to put Cecilia in their group. Although the family’s prestige was insufficient, it was not a big problem for women to marry.

 

There are rumors of her birth, but she is now the baron’s daughter.

 

Her appearance was pretty, but most of all, she had a delicate preparedness and noble taste.

 

A lot of talk went back and forth while the teacups were emptied.

 

Stories of the social circle, dresses and jewels, marriages, rumors of the great aristocrats and the imperial family…..

 

A friendly laugh filled the living room.

 

Then, suddenly, Viscount Christie Young lady asked.

 

“By the way, Miss Cecilia. What’s in this tea?”

 

“Yes?”

 

Cecilia opened her eyes wide when the tea topic popped out again.

 

“It smells like flowers, so it’s got petals in it….. Am I wrong? Maybe because of this tea, I feel very good. I was wondering what the ingredients are.”

 

“That…..”

 

I’m at a loss of words.

 

If I knew this would happen, I would have asked Euphemia in detail what kind of tea it was.

 

The conversation about tea was not the subject Cecilia had put forward.

 

If this was like any other typical tea party, people would mention how delicious the snacks and tea is, mention the nice fragrance and how the refreshments went well together and end it at that.

 

A longer story would have been about a shop or tea house that would sell tea leaves.

 

However, as a slightly special tea was offered, an unusual theme appeared on the table.

 

It is the owner’s attitude to know what food to serve to his guests, but how does she even know what’s in the tea? I’m not even a tea merchant!

 

“It’s chrysanthemum and rose petals.”

 

Then, Cecilia turned her head to the familiar voice coming from behind her back.

 

Euphemia was standing in front of the living room with a tray.